Federer confirms he is still a master

It seemed as if Roger Federer’s time at the top of tennis world was coming to an end a year ago, but his impressive run in 2014 continued with another big win at the Shanghai Masters.

As Federer beat the gallant Gilles Simon 7-6 (8/6) 7-6 (7/2) in a tight final in China, hie confirmed his status as world No.2 was justified and now he will set his sights on glory in the ATP World Tour finals in London next month.

Federer, who will move ahead of his old foe Rafael Nadal in the ATP rankings on on Monday, was playing the better tennis but the second set also went to a tiebreak, where the 17-time grand slam winner wrapped up victory in an hour and 52 minutes.

Simon got off to the perfect start and silenced the largely Federer supporting crowd by breaking the Swiss in the first game.

The rest of the set went with serve to leave Simon serving to take it but Federer earned himself two break points and, while the first one went long, Simon found the net on the second to allow his opponent to level things up.

The 33-year-old easily took the next game and had two set points against the serve but Simon battled back and it went to a tie-break, which the Swiss maestro just edged.

The Frenchman was showing great spirit as he was made to work hard on his serve while providing little resistance against Federer's.

He did mount some pressure in the 12th game and gained two set points against the serve but Federer saw them off and took it to another tie-break.

The second tie-break was far simpler than the first for Federer as a stunning forehand gave him set point and Simon found the net to prompt an almighty roar of celebration from the champion.

"It's been an unbelievable week for me personally," said Federer.

"I got very very lucky to come through the first round, saving five match points, so I know what a privilege it is to be here today.

"I couldn't be more happy. It's been an absolute dream week for me.

"I'd also like to congratulate Gilles for fantastic play not just in the final but for the entire week and I hope you can keep it up for the rest of the year."